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Ohio Dog And Animal Bite Lawyer

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There are nearly five million animal attacks ever year in the United States. The nature of these attacks ranges from minor bites and scratches, to vicious animal attacks that even result in death. While death occurs in fewer than 100 of the reported dog bites or attacks that occur across the country annually, dog bites that require hospitalization are very common. In fact, a dog bite is the second most frequent cause for emergency room visits among small children.

Most often, children are the victims of dog bites and animal attacks. Children are more curious and not fully aware of the dangers of unfamiliar dogs. They are also not as likely to be able to protect themselves from dogs or other dangerous animals. Many dog bites can lead to permanent injury, both physical and mental.

Dog and animal bites can lead to numerous medical and treatment bills, and there may additionally be injuries that require ongoing medical attention and/or rehabilitation, such as;
scarring
disfigurement
infection
nerve damage
tissue damage/loss

If scarring is prevalent enough, or a disfigurement severe enough, it can lead to years of plastic or re- constructive surgery.

If you have done everything you can to avoid a vicious or agitated animal and yet you have still become the unfortunate victim of an animal bite or attack, seek medical help immediately. If you sustain significant injuries that result in medical costs, loss of wages, and pain and suffering, you will have to hire a Ohio dog and animal bite lawyer or attorney.

It is vital to take the necessary steps to not only have the dog bite treated, but also to preserve any evidence of the attack that can assist with building your case. Seeking medical attention promptly is the most important, since a wound may not initially look particularly severe, but could actually be harboring an infection that can quickly worsen if not treated. Identifying the animal and its owner, and gathering as much information as possible will also be important. If there were any witnesses of the attack, their statements can be taken and used in building your case as well.

A dog and animal bite lawyer or attorney will be well-versed in Ohio dog bite laws, and they will have the knowledge needed to argue your dog bite case on your behalf, in order to recover the maximum amount of damages you are entitled to under Ohio law. While each state has its own special dog bite laws (Ohio is a strict liability state), there are a few common laws across the country. In every state, a victim can recover compensation from a person whose negligence caused the attack, a person who violated a leash law or a dog bite law, prohibiting dogs from "running at large," or a person who kept a dog with the knowledge that the dog had a history of injuring people.

It is highly recommended that you find a lawyer or attorney who specializes in dog and animal bite law; however, personal injury lawyers who handle other areas can be helpful as well. If you find a personal injury lawyer or attorney with several specialties, it's important to inquire about the number of dog or animal bite cases he/she has handled and how long they have been in business. An experienced personal injury (or animal bite) lawyer or attorney will have years of experience and hundreds of successful cases to his or her credit.

To find an experienced dog and animal bite lawyer or attorney, or a personal injury lawyer or attorney, visit the American Bar Association website. Access the ABA lawyer locator to gain access to thousands of profiles of attorneys in your area.